Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine
September 25, 2006
Rapid City, South Dakota

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced today that on September 18, 2006, Janine Cottier pleaded guilty in federal court to Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Cottier of Pine Ridge appeared before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier and pleaded guilty to the original indictment which was returned following an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $4,000,000 fine. Jackley said the charges relate to a drug conspiracy, involving others, between late 2002 and early 2006. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mara M. Kohn. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.